Not much by those prices. Minor upgrade doesn’t justify the higher price. This is the 1st year i’ll skip a new Pixel Pro. What I will do is wait for the Pixel 9a which will ship with Android 15 and get you an extra year.
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Google Pixel 9 Series (9/9 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold)
- Thread starter BMox81
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs leak, AI feature demoed
The XL model is said to have a 6.8" OLED display with 1,344 x 2,992px up to 3,000 nits of brightness, plus Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.
Thank youGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL specs leak, AI feature demoed
The XL model is said to have a 6.8" OLED display with 1,344 x 2,992px up to 3,000 nits of brightness, plus Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.www.gsmarena.com
Google hack to their old ways. They think they can charge flagship prices without flagship specs. I’m fine with Tensor being underpowered if the price reflects that, but why should I pick a Pixel over a S24/25 when that processor will blow the Pixel away and it will have superior hardware in almost every single area? They just don’t get it.
The common buyer doesn’t typically opt for Pixel phones, although they do more than before. But their biggest buyers are still probably tech enthusiasts. And tech enthusiasts know that they’re skimping on RAM speed, and charging speed, and radio, and chip speed, and fingerprint sensor (although supposedly upgraded this year), etc, etc.
I’m sure Google will pitch AI as their big reason for upgrading, but let’s be honest, as of later this year every major phone maker will have AI baked in all to similar degrees. It’s not a standout feature after this year, it’s the norm unless one of them bakes in their LLM to a huge degree.
I love their software, but there’s just no reason to spend that much on this device over the competition unless you just have to have the Pixel specific features which aren’t many.
The common buyer doesn’t typically opt for Pixel phones, although they do more than before. But their biggest buyers are still probably tech enthusiasts. And tech enthusiasts know that they’re skimping on RAM speed, and charging speed, and radio, and chip speed, and fingerprint sensor (although supposedly upgraded this year), etc, etc.
I’m sure Google will pitch AI as their big reason for upgrading, but let’s be honest, as of later this year every major phone maker will have AI baked in all to similar degrees. It’s not a standout feature after this year, it’s the norm unless one of them bakes in their LLM to a huge degree.
I love their software, but there’s just no reason to spend that much on this device over the competition unless you just have to have the Pixel specific features which aren’t many.
Exactly! As i’ve been saying, you buy Pixel’s for the software, not the hardware. When the price of a Pixel begins to match that of a top tier iPhone Pro Max or Samsung Ultra phone, then it’s time to reevaluate the purchase of a Google phone. However, wait a few months, and those phones typically drop in price between $250-350, along with trade in offers.
I agree, but I don’t understand their thought process here. At the Pixel 7 and 8 prices, you could forgive some of the corner cutting because you can see some of those savings going to the customer. But now they’re peddling a phone with not flagship hardware at a premium price and even at a lower storage amount. Feel like the people at Google drank their own kool aid.
Also, let’s be honest, it’s been a good few years now where Google hasn’t really been at the forefront of innovation from a software or hardware standpoint. I can’t think of the last app or piece of software they’ve released that was ground breaking or best in class. Feels like they’re sunsetting an app or service every month. They’re even trailing in AI and ML where they should have a huge advantage thanks to their infrastructure and deepmind being in house. Seems like Google has really fallen off lately.
Haven't posted in ages but really excited for the Pixel 9 series event!
Think I'm going for the 9 Pro. Don't need an XL unless Google pull the usual Apple bulls**t and gimp the regular sized pro in some way (normally camera), but nothing suggesting that so far.
Wondering if they will do any sort of preorder bonus again. The Watch has been the freebie the last 2 years and I personally wouldn't pay for one stand alone. It's pretty poor IMO and although the leaks of the watch 3 seems like it's fixing a few things, it still doesn't excite me. If it's free, though - I'll take it!
I hope the leaked colours are wrong. They look boring. Pink and mint? Where's that blue gone?!
Think I'm going for the 9 Pro. Don't need an XL unless Google pull the usual Apple bulls**t and gimp the regular sized pro in some way (normally camera), but nothing suggesting that so far.
Wondering if they will do any sort of preorder bonus again. The Watch has been the freebie the last 2 years and I personally wouldn't pay for one stand alone. It's pretty poor IMO and although the leaks of the watch 3 seems like it's fixing a few things, it still doesn't excite me. If it's free, though - I'll take it!
I hope the leaked colours are wrong. They look boring. Pink and mint? Where's that blue gone?!
I disagree wholeheartedly. Google is one of the companies at the front in AI...in fact Apple is leveraging Google AI for their upcoming AI features. Then speaking of behind the curve...Apple is so late to the party that they cannot ever catch up and build out their own LLMs and AI technology. So they are leveraging other peoples technology and re-branding it as their own calling it Apple Intelligence. No doubt OpenAI is leading the AI space right now but not by much.
According to the rumors you will get double storage and 12 months of free Gemini Advanced if you pre-order one of the Pro models.
I'm also looking forward to the event!
Well... That sucks!
I wasn't expecting a free watch again. I don't think Google will be making any money on them as most people got them free and probably didn't bother forking out for one on its own. Understandably.
I wasn't very impressed by the Pixel Watch 2. If I get the 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL I will probably buy a Garmin watch.
I can’t switch to a Pixel as my primary until Google makes an equivalent to the Watch Ultra—the Pixel Watch is just too small. Also, haven’t checked recently but many of the apps I use on my Apple Watch weren’t available on either Samsung’s or Google‘s Watches. Anyone with experience able to let me know if Pocket Casts (with offline listening), Audible (with offline listening), Authy, YouTube Music (with offline listening) are available on WearOS? There are other’s I’d like to have but those are dealbreakers. I want access to those apps with full functionality while on a cellular connection (no phone nearby).
Authy isn't, the galaxy watch ultra will work it a Pixel, minus a few features, I just use a garmin, and my phone for everything else (it has spotify, but not audible). Garmin isn;t cellular either, but I don't need a phone when running.
Having said that I have a galaxy watch 7 arriving tomorrow, but I think it may go back unopened...
I gotta say...the AWU is pretty much top in the smartwatch space. But I have been using the Samsung Watch Ultra for the last couple of weeks. It is almost to the AWU level. I might even prefer that shape over the AWU squared design.
But i don't listen to podcasts as you do so my uses cases are different.
Guess we don’t have long until prices are confirmed. UK prices I hope are better than rumoured US prices
Thanks, appreciate it. The Galaxy Watch Ultra looks like the closest comparable option to the AWU but it still just looks like it isn’t quite at parity, especially with the entire Apple ecosystem, including Apple’s Health and fitness. I use Fitness+ quite a lot (free subscription through work) and love how the AWU integrates with the Apple TV or iPad when exercising.
I’ll be keeping my eyes on it, especially as the new Pixel Fold looks like it has some nice changes but in the end, likely not ditching Apple.
I really like the look of the Samsung Watch Ultra; but I've spoken to a couple of folk now that have got it and they have the AWU / AWU2 as well and they've said there's still a fair gap between them
I'm tempted with one to partner with my Pixel Fold; having (albeit briefly) owned the Watch 6 Classic with my Pixel Fold; they work well together and they did all that I needed of them and Google Wallet works faultlessly on the Samsung Watches
The only downfall won't support x2 smart watches from what they told me last time I spoke to them; but will look into that more
Anyone attempting to switch to android who love the apple watch are just going to end up frustrated and disappointed. I think the AW is the most overrated piece of tech ever to grace the planet, but I'm in the minority.
When I have an iPhone, I wear my AW purely to tell the time. But people can't seem to live without them and Androids wearable competition has always seemed to be lacking in comparison. I have no experience with Samsung watches, though, but nice to hear others think they're closing the gap. The pixel watch certainly isn't 😜. But I think it looks good!
I could really do with some sort of YT premium freebie from Google for pre-ordering. Sick of adverts 😁.
When I have an iPhone, I wear my AW purely to tell the time. But people can't seem to live without them and Androids wearable competition has always seemed to be lacking in comparison. I have no experience with Samsung watches, though, but nice to hear others think they're closing the gap. The pixel watch certainly isn't 😜. But I think it looks good!
I could really do with some sort of YT premium freebie from Google for pre-ordering. Sick of adverts 😁.
When I switched to Android I ditched the smartwatch, and went with a garmin that can show notifications. The health tracking is a lot better than the apple watch, IMHO and I can track sleep with it as the battery lasts over a week. I do miss authy, and being able to set a timer through my watch.
Having both the AW Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra, I actually prefer the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Size, design, shape. They have come a long way with it and the OS. Sure the Apple UI is more eye candy but the Galaxy Watch Ultra is every bit as capable in most regards.
Seriously; give us your opinion why don't you
😂I do know what you're saying though; I think a lot of folk buy them as it's the 'in thing' - I use mine a lot and find it to be a superb watch. Love it for the fact that I don't have to have my phone nearby and can (if I need to), make/take calls, send messages etc but also make payments (I tend to use my AWU2 to pay with more than my 15PM)
As said above; I really liked the Samsung Watch 6 Classic 47MM; loved the design and rotating bezel TBH, but it did feel a cheap counterpart to my AWU
It does look like the Samsung Watch Ultra has made a serious close on that gap (plus they stole the name) 😂 it is very tempting though and would pair well with my Pixel Fold 😬
Aren't you more of an android guy anyway?
I'm talking more those who get tempted to switch from Apple (when they will never be able to fully commit) and the reason they always go running back is the AW.
Lol, that's what forums are for aren't they? Opinions? 😏.Seriously; give us your opinion why don't you
I do know what you're saying though; I think a lot of folk buy them as it's the 'in thing' - I use mine a lot and find it to be a superb watch. Love it for the fact that I don't have to have my phone nearby and can (if I need to), make/take calls, send messages etc but also make payments (I tend to use my AWU2 to pay with more than my 15PM)
And that's interesting as that list of things you do with your watch I can do with my pixel watch... So a lot of it is all in the mind with people I think. They think they're missing out not having apples latest and greatest in their hand / on their wrist.
I know, it's called sarcasm... 😉
Biggest thing for me is the size too; Pixel Watches look silly on me, far too small for my wrists and shovel like hands... I have a mare when trying to sort out my wife's Pixel Watch if she's got an issue 😂
That's why I went for the Watch 6 Classic 47mm as it was the closest in size for the AWU comparison etc
The chunkiness of the Samsung Watch Ultra appeals to me for that reason
Without going into my profession too much, I am fairly involved with AI (albeit in a different industry) and have spent a fair amount of time with all the big LLMs. Before OpenAI went public with Chat GPT a few years back, it was widely thought of that them and the DeepMind team at Google were ahead of the rest in the AI game. Since going public and starting the arms race, Google has woefully fallen behind. They should have such a head start with their infrastructure and all the software/services they offer where AI/ML could be integrated. However, Gemini has been hugely underwhelming and the list of features they've rolled out to their services falls far behind what Microsoft and OpenAI are doing.
With that said, I agree that Apple is falling way behind. And they recognized it, so rather than throwing a ton of money and trying to play catch-up, in the short term they are taking the Microsoft route and just paying Open AI. It was a mistake to fall this far behind in the AI race but it's a smart move to use OpenAI as a stopgap. But it will all depend on how they leverage it and what features they bring into their ecosystem. In the Apple Intelligence presentation, I wasn't overly improve other than the calculator feature which is brilliant.
Now back to Google...Google are not in front of AI, or at least not at the moment. Gemini lags behind GPT 4o and Claude in almost every metric and from someone that has used all 3 extensively, it's not close. Now this could change at any moment because of how dynamic the whole AI/ML race is right now. But just curious, where do you think Google leads in AI at the moment? LLM? Not close. Services? Nope, that's Microsoft by a lot. Maybe photography based ML but they are all doing variations of the same thing at this point.
I guess my question is...where has Google created some killer feature or tool with AI/ML? So far...they haven't. And I expected more given this history and the advantage they should have in this field. Could it all change tomorrow? Sure, but until then I will continue to be underwhelmed.